Thursday, August 9, 2012

Big Kids - Not Scary

I always taught little kids because big kids are scary to me...at least in the abstract, or in herds, or sitting in front of you with eye rolling and texting! That is scary.

But, today, I got to hang out with some big kids who were charming and funny and polite and didn't even have a phone with them! What? Did you even know that 18 and 20 year olds could go out of the house without their phones? I know, right?

I met these two at church on Sunday. They are here visiting my friend Doris, who is their grandma, but she works, so I volunteered for my best friend, Stevie and I, to entertain them for a day...and they were good with hanging out with two old farts that they didn't know at all. That should have alerted me that things would be fine....

So, off we went up the mountain to Blackwater Falls State Park and Siriani's Pizza.
They ooohed and aaaaahed at all the right scenic places on the drive.
They thought the pizza was yummy.
They thought the deer were adorable...the snake not so much!
I'm telling you, these two are keepers!

Here are a few pictures:

See? Aren't they cute?

Blackwater Falls....black water due to tannin in the stream.

Oh, cute kids and the falls!

Falls with nice big joe pie weed...I think.

POWER!

The gorge at the bottom of it all...

...from way up here on top where none of us really wanted to be for very long.

Cool stacked rock garden.

Really cool. I want to build some.

Stevie and the kids being brave.

Kassaundra trying to hold up one of the windmills.

Sorry. I hope Kris's turned out better. :-)

I LOVE these windmills and the gentle swoosh they make.

It was kind of trying to storm a little bit, so Kris and Kassaundra ran

up around the corner and Kris took this one.

With the little storminess, the mist began to rise from the valley.

So pretty. Kassaundra took these out her window.

I had a great day with kids who are going to make a difference in their world...a difference for good. Kassaundra wants to be a teacher and Kris wants to study criminal justice.

Stevie and I can rest.

I feel better about the world just knowing they are coming along behind me.

Sounds like a wonderful day with "the big kids" Can't wait to see my big guy who returns from Honduras tomorrow night! Say a prayer for safe travels. Thanks for your thoughtful post to him this morning on Facebook! It as been a hard week for him, and for us too! Anne

This is why I teach the "big kids". Although my stories always seem to be about the "other ones". I do look out at so many of my kiddos every year and think that they are really going to go places, change the world, and make me proud. At that age so many of them have great humor personalities and they "get me" and I "get them". You and Stevie should come to my room sometime when school is in to present or listen in. Maybe you could come in for a Friday Fun Day and we could make applesauce:) Although I'm not sure how that would fit into my curriculum.

I would love to come and visit your 'big kids' some day. Of course making applesauce would fit into your curriculum. Everyone has to eat and reading directions is a life skill! Oh, yeah. I can justify Fun Friday!

To be fair, teaching the big kids can be scary. Depends on the situation - if you get a certain mix of personalities in a class, they can take the bit in their teeth and run with it. And it depends on how you hold the authority - respect is the best way, of course, but it helps to have the administration on your side. Ultimately, big kids love people who love them - and people who they can tell really love the things they teach. For me, big kids are only scary until I establish the fact that, no matter how scary they get, I'm SCARIER. After that, the fun can begin.

I think maybe now...maybe...I could teach big kids, but how in the heck do kids right out of college have the know how? God calls us all to our best place...And you? Scary? pffffttt.But reading your books tells me that you 'know' those kids...big kids.

Oh, I've loved catching up!! I sure wish I could have been along for this excursion and you are so right... I feel better knowing young people like these two are in line for the future!! I am thinking those little acorn treats were yummy!! xoxo, love and blessings ~ t.

A Peek...

I believe that God is a creator God and that because I am created in His image, I am also a creator. I am about to embark on a MAJOR creative endeavor-homebuilding! Me, my little husband, 1 big dog and 3 cats.
I am looking forward to joy in the journey...come and join me!